We’d like to introduce our Readers to a brand new, fully homegrown initiative that, thanks to Seattle-based Buck, we’re launching within our network of six local blogs – Shop SoKing – a new online store consisting of locally-owned, independent businesses in the south King County area!

We’re reported (sadly we might add) about numerous local merchants that have gone out of business, empty storefronts, struggling new businesses and more, and wondered, how else can we help our local economy?

Well, just in time for the holiday shopping season, we think we’ve found a way: Shop SoKing!

Over the last few months we’ve been developing this new online shopping site with fellow local resident Andy Kleitsch’s company Buck, which is a leader in the local, social online shopping area (okay, so Buck did most of the heavy lifting but now it’s our turn to step up and promote!).

“By partnering with South King Media, we’re enabling local merchants to drive local sales in a new way,” Kleitsch told The SeaTac Blog. “Blog readers can now discover great local products, share their favorite products via social media and easily make purchases. It’s a great way for blog readers to support local merchants!”

“Everyone wins with this new service,” said South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer. “With Buck, we can promote local products and become a new distribution channel for area merchants. Our Readers benefit by discovering new local products, and the merchants benefit by acquiring new customers and generating additonal revenue.”

Plus, what’s easier than shopping online, where, within a few clicks of a mouse you can order something safely and securely, AND support a local, indie business?

Q: Am I buying items from Buck, or the merchant?
A: Buck enables users to buy products directly from the merchant. The credit card charge appears as the merchant’s name and the merchant delivers the goods.

Q: Is my personal information shared with merchants?
A: If you conduct a transaction in Buck, your personal information is shared with that merchant. Your personal information is only shared with merchants that you elect to conduct business with while in Buck.

Q: What is Buck-It?
A: This is a list of items you love… anyone following you can see your buck-it list.

ABOUT BUCKBuck is the best way for consumers to discover and buy products from brands they love. This new mobile-first shopping experience extends the reach of brands by streaming products to followers and enabling friends to share products with one another. Brands harness this new channel to propel their products across social circles, transforming fans into customers with a single tap.

ABOUT SOUTH KING MEDIA
South King Media is a locally-grown and run network of six local blogs for the south King County area, including the award-winning B-Town Blog, named “Best Hyperlocal Website” in the northwest for two consecutive years by the Society of Professional Journalists. Readership for the entire network exceeds 100,000 unique visitors and over 160,000 Pageviews per month.

So, what are you waiting for? Click here (or find it in our top Menu between Coupons and Events), shop and spend local, get your holiday gifts now and help your LOCAL economy!